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Mardi Gras and the Future of New Orleans Feb 20, 2007

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Today's Mardi Gras will provide a new measure of New Orleans' recovery 18 months after Katrina. Are the tourists returning despite increased crime? Why do permanent residents have such a hard time deciding whether to stay or go? Also, Mike McConnell is sworn in as Director of National Intelligence and, on Reporter's Notebook, are the Libby trial and the nuclear deal with North Korea signs that Vice President Dick Cheney may be losing influence?

Rice Leaves Israel with Little Progress from Peace Talks Feb 19, 2007

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Condoleezza Rice had little to say today after a much-awaited meeting with leaders of Israel and the Palestinians. Why were no issues resolved? Is Middle East peace any closer? What does Saudi Arabia have to do with it? Also, suicide bombers defy a security crackdown that Iraqi leaders claimed was working. On Reporter's Notebook, how did reverence for past presidents turn into a stampede for bargains on Presidents Day?

After the Non-Binding Iraq Resolution, What's Next? Feb 16, 2007

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In the House of Representatives, the debate is over at last. The resolution opposing the President's increase of troops in Iraq is expected to pass later today. Since the President plans to ignore it, what happens next? We'll look at the options and the prospects for action that's "binding." Also, Italy will try 26 US citizens, most of them CIA, in a case of "extraordinary rendition" and, on Reporter's Notebook, why is the Bush Justice Department firing prosecutors?

Iraq, Iran and America's Credibility Feb 15, 2007

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President Bush denies any intention to invade Iran, but foreign allies and adversaries--and many Republicans--are skeptical. The administration is haunted by what some call the "Iraq syndrome." What will it take to restore America's credibility? Plus, Hamas' resignation as the ruling party in the Palestinian Territories and, on Reporter's Notebook, why are Hungary and the Czech Republic better for children than the United States?

Is Warfare Being Contracted Out by the Pentagon? Feb 14, 2007

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Democrats in Congress are taking a long look at private contractors, the second largest force in Iraq. Does outsourcing help soldiers do their jobs and save money? Does it allow for warfare without accountability? Plus, President Bush reminds the Congress that its nonbinding Iraq resolution should not curtail further funding for the war. On Reporter's Notebook, if you think Antony and Cleopatra looked like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, think again.

Is the New Russia Looking More Like the Old? Feb 12, 2007

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Vladimir Putin berated the US this weekend in terms that echoed the Cold War. Is the New Russia looking more like the old? We look at Kremlin takeovers of energy and the media. What about the imprisonment and mysterious killings of business rivals and political critics? Plus, Iran denies US charges that it armed Shiite groups in Iraq with armor-piercing weaponry. On Reporter's Notebook, the Dixie Chicks and the politics of pop music.

The Prosecution Rests Its Case in the Libby Trial Feb 09, 2007

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Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has made his case--or has he? Scooter Libby's defense will begin next week after three weeks of prosecution testimony. What have we learned from the trial? What's next? Is the Libby case about how the White House went to war or much ado about a crime that never happened? The Pentagon's Inspector General questions the propriety of a Defense Department intelligence report. On Reporter's Notebook, the diamond trade tries to clean up its act. Lawarence O'Donnell guest hosts.

Is China Becoming the Next Colonial Power in Africa? Feb 08, 2007

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Why did the Pentagon choose to announce a new focus on Africa while Chinese President Hu Jintao is on a 12-day tour of the continent? Does China's increasing economic attention there a threat to US interests in the region? Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell looks at the Chinese approach to investment in Africa, human rights and economic development, as well as Pentagon concerns about China's growing influence there. Also, Iraq's Deputy Health Minister arrested for supporting Shiite militias, and on Reporter's Notebook, Nancy Pelosi's plane. How big is too big?

DNA, Illegal Immigration and Violence against Women Feb 07, 2007

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An act of Congress is going to make DNA sampling as common as fingerprinting for anybody arrested by federal agents. Illegal immigrants were the original targets, but even US citizens not charged with crimes might have to give up their genetic codes. We hear about an almost unnoticed amendment to the Violence against Women Act. Also, a new security operation begins in Baghdad, and on Reporter's Notebook, there's new momentum on healthcare reform.

The Defense Budget and the War in Iraq Feb 06, 2007

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The Iraq war has intensified this year's debate on increasing the Pentagon's budget, which the President calls necessary for the war on terror. Is the military spending more and getting less for the money? What are the trade-offs? What's the impact on the economy? Meantime, Democrats are beginning their public investigation into the conduct of the war and occupation.

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